Getting a diagnosis of breast cancer can be overwhelming and difficult. With an incidence of 1 in 8 American women affected, it is likely that someone in your family or circle of friends will face this situation sometime in her or his life.

Breast cancer reconstruction (rebuilding the breasts after they have been surgically removed with mastectomies, or reshaping the breasts after a portion has been removed with a lumpectomy) can be a long process. Although results can be phenomenal, no plastic surgeon should ever promise you perfection, and indeed, there may be bumps in the road to recovery.

I have tremendous respect for all of the breast cancer patients in my practice. They are strong and beautiful and tenacious. The woman pictured above, A.S., has been a special source of inspiration to me and many of my other patients. Despite a very aggressive type of cancer, she is always brave, happy, and ready to face the day.

She told me to tell my other cancer patients this advice: "You just have to believe. Everything happens for a reason, and life is beautiful."